2017 will be an exciting year for smartphones, with Apple releasing a tenth generation iPhone 8, and Samsung attempting to get back on track with an outstanding Galaxy S8 handset. Apple will be particularly determined to deliver something revolutionary in order to mark this milestone, while Samsung must respond to the fiasco that surrounded the Galaxy Note 7.
As the two biggest rivals in the smartphone marketplace, Apple and Samsung increasingly respond directly to one another, and this will be the case once more with the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8. So what do we know about these two smartphones and how do they stack up against each other so far? Here is a rundown on all the presumed specs and features associated with the two mobiles.
iPhone 8 vs. Galaxy S8 – Models
There will be just two versions of the Galaxy S8 in 2017. The word ‘just’ is applicable as it seems increasingly likely that Apple will opt for three models of the iPhone for the first time in its history. The iPhone X has been strongly touted, with this new phablet expected to feature a particularly large display. This would then be launched alongside standard iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models. The Galaxy S8 is expected to comprise the standard smartphone and a Galaxy S8+ device.
Display
Thus, the display sizes involved in the smartphone series are expected to be fairly diverse. Apple will retain the standard 5.5-inch and 4.7-inch screens included in previous iPhone generations, but will also introduce a larger handset as well. The biggest device in the iPhone 8 series will thus have a 5.8-inch display, with this eventuality being asserted by the infamous Ming-Chi Kuo.
The largest iPhone will match perfectly with the premium Samsung device, with the largest Galaxy S8 release expected to also possess a 5.8-inch display. The smaller Samsung Galaxy S8 release will have a 5.6-inch screen; still a significant size increase over the Galaxy S7.
Resolution
The resolution of both device ranges remains up in the air slightly, with many fans of the Galaxy range hoping for a 4K device. But it is extremely likely that the Galaxy S8 will be based on quad HD resolution, with Samsung focusing on other areas of the smartphone for improvements.
Apple could match the quad HD capabilities of the Galaxy S8 with the largest version of its 2017 mobile releases. But the standard iPhone smartphone is likely to be based on full HD. However, we can say that the best iPhone 8 in this department will be the equal of the Galaxy S8 this year.
Front camera
Samsung is expected to upgrade the resolution in the front-facing camera in the Galaxy S8 generation to 8-megapixels. This will give the device a significant edge over the iPhone range, with Apple arming the iPhone 8 with a 5-megapixel snapper. However, it remains to be seen whether Samsung will have any response to the 3D sensor technology that is being linked with the iPhone 8.
Rear camera
Both the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 are likely to feature 12-megapixel cameras this time round, with both companies also probably embracing dual-lens technology. There will be innovations included in both devices, but it seems that there will be relatively little to choose between the two in pure spec terms.
Processor
Although some of the specifications for the Galaxy S8 have been confirmed, the processor included in the device remains a mystery. Well, perhaps not a mystery, as there have been multiple leaks on the subject pointing to possible units to be included. In the Western marketplace, Samsung is expected to once again utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon technology, while also releasing a Galaxy S8 in East Asia featuring its own proprietary Exynos technology.
Thus, the Galaxy S8 has been linked with a 3.2 GHz Snapdragon; considerably more powerful than any previously included in a Samsung handset. It is too early to be sure of the technology to be included in the iPhone 8, but an upgraded A11 chip is a certainty.
Memory
This is one aspect of the Galaxy S8 that has been confirmed completely, with the next generation Samsung smartphone certainly including 4GB of RAM memory. This will give the handset the edge over the iPhone 8, with Apple expected to bump up the memory of its flagship to 3GB. However, Apple has always relied on his combination of proprietary hardware and software to deliver outstanding performance.
Battery
Both manufacturers will significantly increase the size of battery included in their 2017 smartphone releases, with Apple particularly keen to respond to what is a common area of criticism. New physical innovations in the iPhone generation will allow the consumer electronics giant to fit a much larger battery in the iPhone 8, with a 2,700 mAh cell being linked with the market-leading mobile.
Samsung is likely to stay out ahead in this department, though, with the Galaxy S8 delivering a battery in the region of 3,000 mAh. The larger Galaxy S8+ will benefit from a 3,500 mAh cell according to reports.
Storage
It was expected that both Samsung and Apple would increase the storage capacity of their next generation smartphones, but this now seems somewhat in doubt. Leaks related to the Galaxy S8 suggest that Samsung will offer just 64GB of storage once more, with micro SD functionality available to those wishing to expand this figure.
And reports on the iPhone 8 have suggested that Apple will shy away from increasing the 256GB storage of the iPhone 8, and will in fact offer less storage options this year. This is far from being confirmed, but if rumors are correct then the iPhone 8 will feature only 64GB and 256GB storage options.
Design
There has been little word that the Galaxy S8 will be significantly altered from previous releases in the series. However, the iPhone 8 is said to be a significant departure from the iPhone 7, with Apple expected to release a curved variant of the smartphone, revert to an all-glass design, and massively slim down the bezels surrounding the screen.
